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The Subaru Justy is a comfortable, easy to manoeuvre supermini – but it is a surprisingly pedestrian offering for a car maker that gave the world the hair-on-fire Impreza.

Practicality

The Subaru Justy is tall, so you could get away with wearing a top hat and still not scrape the ceiling. Its cleverly designed interior also ensures there’s enough rear legroom to keep a couple of six-footers happy on a long trip. The boot is similarly well-shaped so accommodates more than you would at first think, while the 60/40 split rear seats fold downwards in one simple movement to leave a flat loadbay for larger items.

Running costs are kept low by the always welcome combination of good fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions low enough to achieve a wallet-friendly band of road tax.

Subaru has an excellent pedigree when it comes to making solid, dependable cars and the Justy should not let the side down in this respect.

The Justy gives buyers the reassurance of a five-year warranty, but you should have little use for it as the model is expected to be as reliable as its Sirion sister car. The materials used in the cabin are sturdy and durable so young children should have little effect on the interior.

The driver benefits from a dashboard that is both stylish and easy to use with a clean simple design and chunky controls. Almost all shapes and sizes can be catered for behind the steering wheel although things would be better if it adjusted for reach as well as rake.

The Justy gives occupants a panoramic view of the road and surrounding fauna and flora thanks to the large windows.

Life Style

The Justy is a pleasant place to spend time, especially around town, with light controls making the car easy to drive while the quality of the interior means passengers enjoy the journey.

It is perhaps not the most refined of superminis at higher speeds though as more road and wind noise make it into the cabin than is desirable.

On tight and twisty roads the Justy suffers from less grip than is ideal and the handling is a bit uncertain.

The boxy looks are distinctive and help the Justy to stand out from the crowd while the comfortable ride is a bonus in the urban jungle.

The Justy will make the green brigade, or those who wish to leave an inhabitable planet for their kids to live on, smile as the engine puts out just under 120g/km of carbon dioxide – a respectable performance by a supermini.

Security and Safety

Its mixed news on the security front for the Justy as although an alarm is fitted, there are no deadlocks to deter smash-and-grab criminals.

As far as safety is concerned the Justy comes fitted with front, side and curtain airbags as standard, along with anti-lock brakes linked to the latest electronic stopping aids.

The Finishing Touches

There are two versions of the Justy – one badged ‘R’ and the other ‘Twin Cam’.

Both have alloy wheels, parking sensors, remote central locking, four electric windows, air conditioning and a CD player with MP3 input.

The Subaru Justy is an incredibly spacious supermini – displaying Tardis-like qualities as from the outside it doesn’t look that big. Subaru became famous for four-wheel drive saloons and estates with powerful engines – so the Justy marks a departure for the company.

In fact the car is a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Sirion with both cars sharing the same upright exterior styling and roomy cabin.

The Justy is driven by a three-cylinder 68bhp 1.0 litre petrol engine which is best suited to the urban jungle, as on the open road the pedal well and truly has to be pressed to the metal and the five-speed gearbox worked hard to achieve even average acceleration. So when asked to deal with a full load or a long journey the Justy has its hands full.

Suzuki Motor Corporation began as Suzuki Loom Works in 1909, founded by Michio Suzuki. Realizing that the prosperity of his company depended upon diversification, Suzuki began work on compact-car prototypes. This venture was halted by the Japanese government because it was considered a non-essential commodity. It wasn’t until 1952 that the company produced their first motorized vehicle commercially, a bicycle called the Power Free. Due to the success of these bikes, the company changed its name in 1954 and was able to introduce its first mass-produced car, the Suzulight in 1954. A technologically advanced vehicle including front wheel drive, independent suspension, and rack and pinion steering, features that are now standard on cars throughout the world. By 1982, Suzuki took the lead in the all-terrain vehicle market and later introduced an affordable four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle. This has given them respectability in the off road market with cars, such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, alongside their reputation as having the best engineered, best running small cars in Japan. With an esteemed name and climbing sales, Suzuki has grown into a worldwide company, employing over 15,000 people distributing products to over 170 countries. With the company’s promise of trailblazing technology, superior engine designs, and delivering solid value, it is expected to have continued growth.

The Ssangyong Kyron is a very capable and competent 4×4. The Kyron comes well equipped and has been competitively priced against other bargain brands. The Kyron boasts the most powerful engine in its class and true off-roading capabilities.

The Kyron can be used for towing purposes or other demanding duties. Although if wallowing in the dirt the car’s mushroom coloured interior will get dirty fast. The Kyron is plenty durable but the cheap plastics used in the car’s interior scratch easily.

The Kyron seats five adults in reasonable comfort. Legroom isn’t great but it’s adequate for most passengers. The cabin is comfortable but noisy.

The Kyron only comes with one engine choice. The 2.0-litre diesel, the unit provides 141bhp. This is the most powerful engine in this class. The car is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic.

The car’s rear seats split and fold creating even better cabin space. The car’s cabin also has several areas for storage scattered about. The Kyron is a very practical vehicle.

Practicality

The Ssangyong Kyron is a bargain buy and has been competitively priced in order to compete with other bargain vehicles in its class. Insurance rates should be low and fuel economy should be decent for a vehicle in this class.

The Kyron provides good passenger space. Legroom is somewhat limited but other than that space is good. The car comes with a practical boot and the cabin boasts several storage areas. The car’s seats fold to create versatile cargo carrying capabilities.

The car’s switchgear is logically placed and easy to reach. The plastics feel cheap and scratch easily, but for the most part the design is straightforward and easy to use.

The car’s cabin provides good levels of comfort. The Kyron’s seats are supportive and comfortable. Road and engine noise are intrusive and get louder at higher speeds. The ride is smooth and comfortable.

The car’s cabin is very accessible. The car’s doors open widely and provide a large aperture for easy access. Access is straightforward and most passengers should be able to slide into the car’s seats without any problems.

Parking the Alhambra is a simple task. Visibility is good and the car handles well even at low speeds. Higher spec models with tinted windows will need to rely on the car’s wing mirrors to see properly, especially after dark.

Life Style

The Alhambra can be a fun car to drive especially in 4×4 mode. The engine delivers enough power to successfully deal with most types of terrain. The Alhambra was designed more with practicality in mind than providing a good driving experience.

This is an excellent family car. It provides adequate seating for five and good boot space. Seats can be folded as necessary for additional cargo space. The Kyron is affordable yet rugged enough that it can take the abuse that families can dish out.

This is not a good first car. The engine is too powerful and 4×4’s don’t tend to make very good first cars. There are better first cars available on the market.

The Kyron provides an excellent build quality and a good driving experience. The Kyron is surprisingly well built. The Kyron has a touch of class that is way beyond its modest origins

Security and Safety

The car’s standard security features include a Thatcham approved security alarm and an engine immobiliser. The vehicle is not likely to attract the attention of thieves, so this should be more than enough security.

The car’s standard safety features include driver and passenger airbags. The higher spec models receive more safety features.

The Finishing Touches

The car’s standard audio unit includes a radio and CD player. The basic unit provides good sound quality and does a good job of drowning out road and engine noise.

The S spec can be ordered with or without four-wheel drive. It comes equipped with electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a CD player. The SE model receives leather upholstery and a CD auto changer.

Summary

The Kyron is a true off-roader with genuine 4×4 capabilities. The car is not as luxurious as high-end brands, but it does deliver good levels of comfort and a lot of practicality. The Kyron is very capable and competent and offers good value for money. The Kyron shouldn’t have any trouble competing with other bargain rivals. Badge snobs will not give the Kyron a second thought.

Lamborghini is a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars. The Lamborghini Company is a subsidiary of Audi who is a subsidiary of Volkswagen.

The company was originally founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini. Ferruccio Lamborghini owned a tractor factory prior to manufacturing automobiles, and drove a Ferrari. Rumor has it that Ferruccio wasn’t happy with the way his Ferrari drove and complained to Enzo Ferrari. Supposedly, Enzo dismissed Ferruccio’s complaints without any action on Ferrari’s part.

Ferruccio then went back to his tractor factory and dismantled the clutch on his Ferrari. He discovered it was the same clutch as the one used on his tractors with the exception of one particular piece. Ferruccio took the piece off of one of his tractors and added it to his car’s clutch. This resolved Ferruccio’s problem with his Ferrari and inspired him to create his own car.

The car became the Lamborghini 350 GTV prototype. The model began production in 1964 as the 350 GT and sold over 130 cars that year. The cars badge featured a bull, representing Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth sign; the Taurus.

The 350 GT was replaced by the 400 GT. Sales were so good for both models that Lamborghini was able to fund production of its first supercar. In 1967 Lamborghini produced the Miura; the car was named after the famous bull-fighter, Don Eduardo Muira. That year 111 models were sold and the Lamborghini Company was now ranked among the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world.

In 1971 Lamborghini produced the amazing LP400 Countach. This was the first car to sport Lamborghini’s scissor door design and a powerful four-litre engine. The Countach was profitable enough to keep the Lamborghini Company afloat throughout the 1970’s.

The energy crisis of the 1970’s placed a serious strain on the company, and in 1978, Lamborghini declared bankruptcy. The company was bought by the Mimran brothers. The company was once again turning a profit when it was sold to the Chrysler Corporation.

Chrysler assisted in the development of the Lamborghini Diablo which proved to be a huge success for the company. The Diablo replaced the Countach. The Diablo helped keep Lamborghini profitable, but Chrysler was forced to sell the company in 1994 to an Indonesian company. In 1998, Audi purchased the Lamborghini Company, and today’s Murcielago is the result. Audi’s expertise and resources are evident in the impressive Murcielago.

Lamborghini designs some of the most impressive performance cars on the road today. The cars sport many unique features such as carbon fiber construction, V10 engines, and impressive styling features. Some impressive models include the Murcielago and the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Murcielago is an impressive two-seater supercar that was designed to replace the Diablo. The car comes in two forms, the two-door two-seat coupe or roadster. The car comes with a 6.2-litre V12 or a 6.5-litre V12. The car was first produced in 2002 and production continues to the present.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is an entry level supercar. It features Lamborghini’s 5.0-litre V10 engine and comes in two-door coupe or spyder form. The cars name comes from a breed of fighting bulls. The Gallardo replaces the Lamborghini Jalpa and has been produced from 2004 to the present.

Lamborghini has changed hands several times through the years, but the company’s dedication to producing excellent performance cars has remained the same. This commitment to quality is evident in the company’s current models.

Land Rover is set to end the production of its iconic Defender model, which has been serving farmers and safari guides amongst others for decades.

The last vehicles to roll off the production line will do so in just over two years’ time, in December 2015.

A true off-roader, the Defender has evolved from the original Land Rover Series which was first produced way back in 1948. Over two million models have been purchased since this time.

Even her majesty the Queen has been pictured behind the wheel of a Defender!

However, all new versions of the rugged Land Rover emit more than 260g/km of CO2, which means they fall under the highest road tax band, M.

Emissions laws have become much stricter in recent years, so any successor would have to be significantly more environmentally friendly.

As new, the Defender costs between £24,260 and £33,000. Because of its strong performance and reliability however, it is a very popular model on the used market. Well-conditioned vehicles can be picked up for under £10,000 – you can search listings at either CarVillage.co.uk or UsedCarsNearMe.co.uk.

Pictures of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur have graced the web today and they are being met with great enthusiasm. It has been sent by Bentley to unsettle its rivals the Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Mercedes S-Class.

Bentley are branching out for the Continental family with the new Flying Spur and you can tell by looking at it. The proportions are different to that of the continental, most notably it appears much longer and less coupé looking.

A lot of attention has been paid on the performance of the new Bentley, the body has been sculpted to be more aerodynamic and it has been built out of lightweight but strong materials. Beneath the Bentley bonnet, the car packs a W12 twin-turbo 6.0-litre engine which generates 616bhp at 2000rpm. This makes the 2013 Flying Spur the most powerful four-door Bentley in the history of the brand, it also means the Flying Spur can do 0-60mph in just 4.3 second and it can hit a top speed of 200mph. The cars green credentials are as you would expect; non-existent, doing only 19.2mpg whilst giving off 343g/km of CO2.

The equipment for those in the back is brilliant, and each rear seat pocket features USB, HDMI and SD ports as well as a DVD slot; all of which are hooked up to an iPad like screen. Though all this luxury does come at a price, £150,000 to be precise! So make sure you look after it, as Bentley servicing costs are no joke.

The Audi Q3 SUV is getting the RS treatment, more news has been shared across the web today regarding the model. Join us as we take a look at what we know so far.

Audi have made ripples in the motor industry today by revealing their new RS Q3; the first ever SUV to get the RS treatment. Apparently this is upsetting to the big performance car fans out there, though we are sure they will get over it.

It shares its engine with the Audi TT RS; it is a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which can offer an enticing 310hp and 310Ib ft of torque allowing it to do 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and hit speeds of 155mph.

The rear axle features an ‘electronically controlled multi-plate clutch’ which will share out torque between the front and rear to make sure the car performs in all weather conditions. Audi reckons the RS Q3 is capable of 32.1mpg combined with 206g/km CO2 emissions, which is pretty good for an RS model.

The RS Q3’s servicing and MOT prices shouldn’t stack up to heavily so it should be a relatively inexpensive car to own (considering its performance figures).